Example French dissertation topic 9:

An evaluation of French energy policies in the early 21st century.

Whereas Germany has backed away from a nuclear-based future, the French authorities have continued to embrace the technology. Charting not only the rise of the French nuclear power system but also present proposals to increase the number of nuclear powered power stations; this dissertation first provides an overview of the strategic strengths of the French power industry as it stands. Thereafter, it seeks to understand (compared to that of neighbouring European countries), the continued French adherence to the nuclear option through conducting interviews with both political commentators and consumers. A comparative element to this study would be desirable for a joint-honours linguist but is in no way essential.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Grubler, A. (2010). ‘The costs of the French nuclear scale-up: A case of negative learning by doing’. Energy Policy, vol. 38(9), pp. 5174-5188.
• Hadjilambrinos, C. (2000). ‘Understanding technology choice in electricity industries: A comparative study of France and Denmark’. Energy Policy, vol. 28(15), pp. 1111-1126.
• Hecht, G. (2009). The radiance of France: Nuclear power and national identity after World War II. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.